David Norman Jr.: from Idolizing David Beckham to Joining Inter Miami as a Player

When growing up, there are certain people who impact the lives of young individuals. For David Norman Jr., Canadian-born midfielder who joined Inter Miami in September 2019 via a trade with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, one of those idols growing up was Club co-owner David Beckham.

"He [David Beckham] meant so much when I was growing up. My family, we support Manchester United. So, growing up he was always one of my childhood idols," said Norman Jr.

On Monday, February 24, 2020, Norman Jr. had the opportunity to meet Beckham for the first time since joining Inter Miami at a team dinner. The occasion filled him with pride, as it took him back in time to their first encounter when he was only 12 years old.

"When I was able to meet him back in 2012 it was unreal. I was actually traveling supporting the Vancouver Whitecaps, the team from which I came from," Norman Jr. reminisced. "As a kid I was supporting them, watching a game in L.A against the Galaxy and I was able to get a pass to get onto the field. I was able to catch his eye after the game and ask for the photo. Me and my sister, it was a pretty great experience."

"So now to think that eight years later I'm playing for a club that he [Beckham] co-owns, it's pretty surreal," he added.

For Norman Jr., those eight years were life-changing. Since then, he's fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing soccer at the professional level and he's now part of a Club in which his idol's influence can be felt.

"Just a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Once I had that dream of becoming a pro I was really trying to tick every box and uncover every stone to make it happen. When I had the opportunity to come here and play for a club that he [Beckham] co-owns it was a pretty special chance."

"He's such an icon worldwide. You can see his presence when he's around training and the publicity he's bringing for the club. So, it's a fantastic chance to have him helping represent us," he stated.